FanDuel Sportsbook identifies nine college football programmes poised for 2026 rebound
A review of FanDuel Sportsbook’s projections reveals that seven of the nine identified programmes have installed new head coaches, while others face pressure to reverse recent losing streaks.
FanDuel Sportsbook has released projections identifying nine college football programmes with the largest expected increases in regular-season win totals for the 2026 campaign compared to their 2025 performance. The analysis focuses on teams that largely finished the 2025 campaign with losing records, offering a statistical baseline for significant improvement. Key drivers for these projections include the appointment of new head coaches, roster overhauls via the transfer portal, and more favourable schedules.
The nine teams identified are Arkansas, Wisconsin, South Carolina, Kansas State, Penn State, Virginia Tech, UCLA, Florida, and Oklahoma State. Notably, seven of these nine teams have installed new head coaches, while Florida and Oklahoma State feature coaches currently under significant pressure. Most of the listed teams finished the 2025 season with losing records, providing a wider runway for improvement than teams coming off strong campaigns.
Arkansas enters a new era with Ryan Silverfield becoming the program’s fourth different coach in a decade. The Razorbacks finished the 2025 season with two wins, and while expectations are tempered, Silverfield arrives with a winning track record from his tenure at Memphis. Similarly, Kansas State saw Chris Klieman retire following the 2025 season, with former quarterback Collin Klein taking over. Klein’s track record of developing quarterbacks fuels optimism, particularly with the schedule avoiding several top Big 12 contenders.
Penn State and Virginia Tech represent high-profile turnarounds under new leadership. Matt Campbell arrived at Penn State with 24 transfers from Iowa State, including quarterback Rocco Becht, while the schedule avoids Indiana, Ohio State, and Oregon. At Virginia Tech, James Franklin declared the Hokies won the offseason following a three-win season, citing an aggressive influx of talent and renewed investment.
Florida and Oklahoma State present different challenges. Florida’s first-year coach Jon Sumrall faces the transition from the Group of Six to the SEC, though he returns nine starters from the previous season. Oklahoma State features Eric Morris, who brings a high-scoring offense and a roster that has transformed from one of the least experienced to one of the most experienced in the country. Wisconsin and South Carolina also face pressure, with Luke Fickell and Shane Beamer needing to reverse recent declines amidst lighter schedules.
